Make more movies in London, Mayor tells Indian filmmakers

Mumbai: Mayor of London Boris Johnson today met top film and TV producers here and announced that two new Indian films are to be shot in the UK capital next year. The third film in India's hugely successful 'Housefull' franchise, starring Akshay Kumar - will be entirely filmed in London, a release said.

The Mayor has also invited the film's producer Sajid Nadiadwala to shoot his directorial debut 'Kick', starring Salman Khan, in the UK capital. Post production on both films, which have a combined budget of 35 million pounds, will be in London's Soho. Johnson, who is on a visit to India to strengthen economic and cultural links, appealed to filmmakers to make London their movie set of choice.

"I am thrilled that Sajid Nadiadwala has chosen London as the backdrop for not one, but two of his brand new blockbusters. As our recent World Cities Culture Report shows, London and Mumbai are major players on the international stage for creativity and the arts," he said.

London is the third busiest production city in the world, with studios in and around the capital making up 75 per cent of the UK film industry, and every day an average of 40 crews are out filming on the city streets, the release said. London is home to some of the world's best post-production companies, offering award winning, state-of-the-art facilities that are in demand for the world's biggest effects movies."